AN44

18 April 2017 Abingdon Old Abingdonians A Lunch in Glasgow What might happen if you sent out a lunch invitation to a group of people who had never met each other before and had only one thing in common – that they had been educated at Abingdon School? When the seven acceptances arrived the leaving years ranged from 1951 to 1999 and Alison Lester, OA Club Officer, was wondering how on earth it was going to work. In the event it was a very congenial lunch from the outset – conversations provoked memories, memories provoked jokes and in no time a group of people who must have been slightly wondering what they had let themselves in for found, reluctantly, that it was time to go home. As diverse as their leaving years, were the attendees’ careers: Alex McTier (OA 1999) is a university-based applied researcher who predominantly carries out consultancy research contracts for public and third sector organisations. “ Abingdon gave me a strong, core foundation which has contributed to my work ethic and respect for others. ” Robert Jones (OA 1987), Professor of Clinical Cancer Research, Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology, University of Glasgow, works as a consultant looking after patients with prostate, bladder and kidney cancer and heads a team of 70 people running clinical trials throughout the UK and the rest of the world. “ Looking back, what I gained from Abingdon was a great sense of breadth. I was allowed to pursue my own ideas and encouraged to try those of others. ” Paul Aston (OA 1977) began work in a shipping department moving into export sales and marketing. In his mid 30s, he broke free from a ‘corporate’ life and set up a business in the production and sale of spirits. “ I was challenged at Abingdon School academically and in other fields, winning and losing, which built resilience and doggedness. ” Robert Acklam (OA 1951), retired, spent eight years in the Navy then worked for Post Office Telephones where he was “up poles and down holes”. Some ten years later he became self employed running a taxi business in Edinburgh. Paul Spencer (OA 1982) ran his own company which he sold and is now Head of Engineering and Technical Recruitment at MHR in Glasgow. “ An Abingdon education gave me a hinterland. The arts, sports and other activities offered at the School have enabled me to enjoy so much in life other than work. ” Richard Speight (OA 1968) gained qualifications as a Master Mariner, an MSc in Naval Architecture and a PG Diploma in Teaching for Further Education. He became Depute Principal of one of the major maritime training colleges in the UK. “ Abingdon gave me standards and values which have stood me in good stead throughout my career. ” Front to back (left of table): Alex McTier, Robert Acklam, Paul Spencer, Paul Aston Front to back (right of table): Robert Jones, Alison Lester, Richard Speight